Mutts

Many thanks. HMRC can now have the pleasure of calculating my tax!!!  

Yes, it's ING fr - thanks for pointing that out; yes to French tax, but no to French resident. I got the forms in duplicate and the amount of interest received is shown under "Autre revenus (credit d'impot inclus)" No other figures (other than zero) are shown on the form. On opening the account, non-PLF was chosen. Can I assume I've been paid gross?      

Time to declare interest on savings with INF fr. I've had numerous forms from them showing how much interest they've paid me and one states "credit d'impot inclus", but nowhere is there any indication of how much tax has been deducted. Anyone know the rates, or know if it's tax free?    

Can anyone shed light on decisions made re TVA?    

I agree with everything TU has said. Something perhaps to do with the language barrier? We all read and understand the gloomy news in the UK and perhaps turn a blind eye to doom in France. Perhaps in the UK we've become accustomed to viewing a half empty cup because we understand and acknowledge the problems in the UK, whilst those in France have a half full cup because they don't acknowledge or understand the problems in France. Whatever the case, from recent experience I have become very disillusioned with all things French and am actively looking for alternative retirement prospects........in the UK!    

One of the advantages in France is that total income is used to calculate tax for the household and a married couple would constitute two "parts" (each qualifying for a tax free allowance). So as a rule of thumb: Gross income 30K = each part is taxed on 15K 0% under 4262 6.83% to 8382 = 281 19.14% to 14753 = 1219 28.26% on balanace = 70 Total tax = 1570 per "part" Social charges = 10% income  (pensions and annuities are taxable after this deduction) There are different rates for purchased annuities where only a percentage is subject to tax (dependant on the age at which the annuity was purchased); and deductions for pensions paid by former employers (10% and a further 20% subject to minimums/maximums). PS - rates above are for 2003

We completed on our maison secondaire in September 2004 and presumed any taxes for 2004 were dealt with in the completion statement. Our taxe fonciere (2005) arrived in September 05- posted to our UK address - and was duly paid. We've been expecting our tax de'habitation (other people in the village have received theirs) but nothing has arrived so far. On a recent visit we took advice from the Mairie and 'phoned the appropriate bureau d'impots who seem not to be aware of our existence! We had to give the name of the previous owner of the house before they could locate our property and they seemed to imply that nothing was due. I'm very happy not to pay any tax, but don't want to end up with unpaid tax bill + fine. To complicate matters, we're moving house soon within the UK and although we've sent a change of address letter to the impots, the references given were on the fonciere bill. Any ideas?  

It sounds as though the 600 euros a week was agreed to, but having seen the accommodation and facilities, it now appears to be expensive. If it was fairly advertised and has everything as described in the advert - perhaps some small discount could be given re the dishwasher - then the price is fair.  

As far as I'm aware the new regs for personal pensions (April 2006) will allow you to take up to 25% (in cash) of your fund, tax free, but only when you start taking your pension. That 25% if taken in France, is taxable.

No........ I haven't read the whole thread although I WAS under the impression that adoption certificates could be freely obtained. If you want some expert (free) advice on this, subscribe to: [email protected] Send an email with "subscribe" in the heading and message body. Await your replies, then "unsubscribe" in the same way.    

Thank again Dave and Motorhead - we're trying to get quotes from two builders (in 24), I'll try and make sure their quotes conform to what you've described - or I'll get back to you and ask for more help. Hope that's okay. Linda  

The muslim faith is surely one which encompasses a whole way of life. Because of this religious culture, can they ever fully integrate and/or do they want to? It's often been asked on these forums, to what extent is it necessary to integrate with the French way of life? After some debate on the meaning of "integrate", it's generally been agreed that provided you try to mix to some extent, live peaceable and within the law, it's very much up to the individual. But within how many faiths would "family honour" dictate ordering your sons to murder their sister's boyfriend? http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/oxfordshire/4407728.stm      

Thank Dave - that's very useful information. Any idea where I can get some basic ideas of how this 2 tank fosse system should be laid out? E.g. distance from house, size etc etc. Our builder is quoting for a new fosse and I'd like to reassure myself it's going to meet new regs. Linda

I've been told the external pipe has to be 40 cm above the ridge height of the roof.    

Will this two tank system, with sand filter, comform to the new regulations I've heard rumours about, for those who will not be connected to mains drainage in 2006? Linda